HENLEY CRICKET CLUB AGM 27^TH NOVEMBER 2011

CHAIRMAN’S ANNUAL REPORT

 The year of 2011 has been one of both consolidation and of advances off the field. The occupation of the new clubhouse has meant that the club has been able to host its own events and to provide a high quality environment for players and spectators. The facility has been well run by the Pavilion Manager, Alex Lett, who has ensured that the facility has been put to good use for both the club and community in general.               

On the playing field, it was probably too much to expect the club to carry on winning almost everything. However, the 1^st X1 finished a creditable fourth in the Home Counties Premier League, whilst the 2^nd X1 finished well placed in the Thames Valley Cricket League 1^st Division after an incredible second half to the season winning a succession of matches on the trot. It is perhaps worth noting again the level at which the club is now playing much of its cricket. Only one other Premier club has its 2^nd X1 playing in the 1^st Division of the Thames Valley League, an indication of the standards expected of the first two elevens in the club. Similarly, the 3^rd X1 also performed creditably during the season and managed to maintain its position in the Thames Valley 3^rd Division, as did the 4^th X1. All captains are to be congratulated on their success and particular mention must be made of Liam Dennison, the 3^rd X1 captain, who has given stalwart service to the club for a number of years and is now about to hand over the reins to Jeremy Palmer. Mention should also be made of the success of the Sunday X1 which, together with the 4^th X1 are often seen as the last in the pecking order for players. After considerable success under the leadership of Nick Johnson, the Sunday X1 will be jointly captained in 2012 by Phil Chappell and Peter Neville. They hope to organise matches in a way which will encourage the captaincy skills of younger players.

I noted last year, the success of the Junior Section of the club under the enthusiastic leadership of Chris Ellison. This well organised section of the club has gone from strength to strength. Chris, who has retired from his position as Director of Cricket with the club, will be a hard act to follow but I am very pleased to say that Greg Stone has taken on the role of Chairman of the Junior Section and already has coaches in place for the nine teams which will be competing in the Berkshire League in 2012. In all, the Junior Section will run three U9 teams; three U11; two UY13 and one U15 team. It is also anticipated that friendly fixtures will be arranged for an U17 team. Some 200 youngsters and their parents are now members of this section of the club which continues to go from strength to strength. It is Greg’s aim to ensure that the Section becomes commercially self supporting and that it successfully contributes to the recruitment of players to the Senior Section of the club. This is essential for the future. I have no doubt that the Section is in very safe hands with Greg and his fellow officers.

The most notable change to the club’s position during 2011 has been the establishment of an excellent link with Nettlebed CC. The ground at Nettlebed has been transformed by the building of an excellent pavilion. Henley CC has helped to further improve the facility by the acquisition of sight screens, covers and the re-laying of the square. The link between the two clubs has enabled Henley 3^rd and 4^th X1s to have a ‘home ground’ for home league fixtures. All in all, the first year of the operation of the link was extremely successful and enabled local players, including many youngsters, to have a facility which had not been in place before. Much credit for the success of this link must go to Danny Hall, Henley’s’ Ground Chairman and Dr Peter Ashby of the Nettlebed Sports Association.

It would be remiss of me not to mention one important factor which might impinge upon the future of all club cricket. It is becoming quite clear that many clubs are facing increasing difficulties in recruiting players. Indeed, this problem is not just peculiar to cricket but sports clubs in general. It is becoming harder and harder to field as many teams as in the past and some clubs up and down the country are now finding it difficult to run more than two elevens, even when their 1^st X1 is Premier League club. I would, therefore, to urge all players and officials to encourage anyone interested in playing the game to come to join the club as soon as possible. We can cater for cricketers at all levels who will always be given a warm welcome at a family orientated club.

Finally, I would like to thank all those who have once again helped to make the club so successful over the last 12 months. This has been due to the hard work of numerous officials and others who have undertaken tasks voluntarily and helped to contribute to the well-being of the club. Long may this continue.

Paul L Bradbury

26 November 2011

HENLEY COUGARS WIN COUNTY FINAL

 With Cougars losing the toss for venue, we had the choice to bat or field and skipper Tom Jordan took our usual option of batting 1st. A nervous start made that decision look a bit shaky, but the final 3 pairs steadied the ship accumulating a combination of boundaries and quick singles to take the total to a very defendable 275 for 7. Batting highlights were a couple of monster 6's from Cameron Wright and Angus Withers Green, best figures shared between Liam Hilditch (10 without loss), and Angus (15 for 1). As usual Henley were tight in the field, and picked up wickets at regular intervals to leave Slough always under pressure behind the rate. Despite a bit of a charge from the last pair Henley kept their nerve to leave Slough 13 short on 262 for 7. Bowling highlights were Max Hanshaw (2 for 4 off 1), including a slower ball yorker that will live long in the memory, Liam Hilditch (2 for 12 off 2), Dirk Hayward (1 for 8 off 2), and Johnny Connell (1 for 10 off 2). 

Henley Royal Regatta Parking 2012

Parking is available at Henley Cricket Club from Wednesday 27th June to Sunday 1st July 2012. To book your guaranteed parking space, or for further details, please contact Roger Garfath as per details below.

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